Happy Father's Day

Today I decided to share something I wrote earlier.  My dad, a hero to many, including me, has accomplished so much in his life, especially when you consider all he had to overcome.  This year I nominated him for the Ohio Veteran's Hall of Fame... which I'm still waiting to hear what they said... so below was what I wrote in hopes of getting him in the Hall:

          I feel very strongly that Nicholas should be accepted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.  Not only is he my father, but he is an exemplary example of a true blooded American and what a Veteran should represent.  Not only did he excel in the military by earning a Bronze and Silver Star, but he continues to educate the public about the good deeds done in the military through his advocacy with the Vietnam Veterans of America, participating in parades and even taking part in presentations at area schools.  

Nicholas is always available to tell others what his time in the military did for him; helped him realize his full potential, helped him get through college, and helped him create a life he is proud to share with his family. 

I have never met a Veteran more proud of his past, and more dedicated to those who fought alongside him.  He has visited the Vietnam Memorial more times than I can remember, each time taking moments to remember and honor those who had the same fight in them, but were not able to come home and live their dreams. 

I know this nomination packet only shows a small part of my father, but I hope it is enough to show the committee just how amazing of a soldier, husband, father, grandfather, and American Nicholas has become.

Remembering...

In honor of Memorial Day, I thought I would remember.  I am very thankful for those who fought for our freedom, and those who gave their lives so I can live mine.  My dad fought alongside many men who didn't make it home in Vietnam, my gpa (grandpa for those not in my family) fought in WWII... both luckily made it home alive.  I consider myself very lucky to not have to have felt the loss of someone close to me in war... and I hope I can live my entire life without ever having to experience that loss...

Tonight I was watching "Band of Brothers" and one episode hit me particularly hard... the soldiers came across a concentration camp which brought back memories of my visit to Dachau, a concentration camp in Germany.  I visited the camp while on a trip with the Girl Scouts... and those few hours changed my life.  I still to this day find it amazing just how much hate had to have been in those running the camps, and how horrible it must have been to be in the camp... not knowing day to day if you are going to live... I'm sure many days those imprisoned wondered whether it would be better to be alive or dead.  I can even begin to comprehend the strength it took to wait until a rescue. 

It is times like this when I feel selfish for feeling sorry for myself, feeling annoyed that my life isn't going as planned, and angry that I feel helpless.  Because of the brave men and women in uniform I'm afforded the luxury to feel this way, with a roof over my head, food in my fridge, and the bliss of being able to leave my home and not fear being killed just for being me.... for that I am thankful.... and hope all my readers can take time and remember those who believed our freedom was worth putting their life on the line for... how amazing is that?